2003 Vintage Select Chardonnay

Wine Statistics

2003 The Vintage

The year 2003 was marked by an occurrence of late frost throughout the Willamette Valley affecting different vineyards to different degrees. Fortunately, LaVelle Vineyards, with its higher elevation and well-drained slope, was largely unaffected. In turn, there was a period of very warm weather in mid-summer, which rocketed many varietal grapes through veraison (skin color change) and final maturation. Some varietals were ready for harvest up to two weeks before their average time, a side benefit of this being the avoidance of the cooler and wetter weather early November can bring.

2003 Vintage Select Chardonnay

LaVelle Vineyards happily continues its tradition of producing distinctive Chardonnay wines with flavor and aroma characteristics unique to the Oregon wine scene. After a leisurely “hang time,” the grapes were harvested October 15. Following a whole-cluster press, the wine was carefully vinified, progressed through malolactic fermentation, and was delicately oak-aged. The wine received a medium and then a fine filtration, and was bottled September 1, 2004.

Our LaVelle 2003 chardonnay is made in a refreshing fruit-forward style that we believe complements Northwest cuisine better than the more heavily oaked Chardonnays that are typical of California. The nose presents nuances of apple and herbs, yet is subtle, with complex hints of oak, pears, and nutmeg. The apple flavors carry through to the mouth, accentuating a crisp, clean finish. Enjoy our Chardonnay as a slightly-chilled aperitif, with light fare, or as a worthy accompaniment to shellfish and other milder seafood.

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